Station Review #42: Germantown (SEPTA)


Germantown is a train station on SEPTA's Chestnut Hill East line. 

History
Old PG&NRR Germantown station building 

the Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown Railroad came to Germantown in 1832. Originally it had ended at Germantown and Price Streets at Shingle's Tavern. In 1855, a new station building was built, and it stayed in commission until 1863 or so. This station building remained standing until 1981, when it burned down. 

After this, The Reading Railroad made a new station near Baynton Street, where the current station is. Much of the track between Chelten Avenue and Germantown avenue is gone, but the right of way still remains. 

Third Germantown Station

There used to also be a yard next to this station, the remnants of the portion of the right of way that went to Germantown avenue. This station remained until the late 1920s, when the line was rebuilt, and a new elevated station was built. This station is the station we see today.

Tour
Silverliner IV at Germantown Station

Germantown Station is not in very good condition at all. It has clearly seen better days.

The station as a whole

The structure is tall and curved. And from the outside, it doesn't seem too bad. 

Tunnel

Things get worse the closer you get to the station. You can just tell with that giant missing portion of the façade! 

Tunnel

I mean, at least the tunnel is okay. I think. I don't trust that tunnel. 

Steps

None of the steps are doing that well, but they're usable still. I don't think they're going to collapse any time soon

The platforms

The platforms are awful! They're falling apart as we speak. 

I don't know how this station hasn't been rebuilt yet. This is awful. 

Oh. 

I mean, just look at the canopy. It's held up by poles and clamps. With a strong enough storm, this could all be completely destroyed incredibly easily. 


At least the view is kind of nice, I guess? 

I do not feel safe at this station. It could pull an Alewife (MBTA) on me at any second I spend there or just collapse. 

Bus Connections
There are a few nearby bus connections at Germantown Station. These include

• J - Richmond - Orthodox (Bridesburg) to Chelten Avenue station via Logan
• K - East Falls to Arrott Transportation Center via Oak Lane
• 23 - 11th and Locust to Chestnut Hill via Germantown 
• 26 - Chelten Avenue Station to Frankford Transportation Center via Olney Transportation Center and Oxford Circle

Points of Interest near Germantown Station 
Germantown station is near Germantown and Chelten Avenues, which is basically the main intersection of Germantown as a whole. There are a lot of stores here, as well as multiple historical buildings, like the old town hall. There is also a few museums nearby. 

Statistics

Name: Germantown 
Agency: SEPTA
Line(s): Chestnut Hill East 
Locality: East Germantown 
City/Township: Philadelphia 
County: Philadelphia 
Ridership: 102 boardings, 120 alightings, 222 total per day

Amenity Checklist

Accessible: ×
Bathrooms: ×
Clean Station: ×
Connections to other transit routes: ✓
Easy passage for each side: ✓
Fare Payment Kiosks (if applicable): ✓
Good Wayfinding: ✓
Indoor Shelters: ×
Maps: ×
Multiple entrances/exits: ×
Adequate Parking: ✓
Seating: × (not enough)
Shelters: ×
Station In Good Condition: ×
Ticket Kiosks (if applicable): ×
Ticket Offices: ×
TOD: ×
Train Departure/Arrival Info (signs that update/screens): ×
Updated/Useful Signage: ✓

Final Verdict: 0.5/10

Directory

--------Philadelphia County--------
''''''''CC Zone''''''''
30th Street
Suburban
Jefferson (Market East)
''''''''Zone 1''''''''
Wayne Junction
Wister
Germantown
''''''''Zone 2''''''''
Washington Lane
Stenton
Mt. Airy
Wyndmoor
Gravers
Chestnut Hill East

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